Closing motel leaves residents looking for new homes

For almost a year, Darin Busby has called the Mark Twain Motor Inn home. That will change next week.

DANNY HENLEYdanny.henley@courierpost.com

For almost a year, Darin Busby has called the Mark Twain Motor Inn home. That will change next week.

Busby is one of several residents at the motel who are being forced to relocate because the property is close to being sold to CVS/pharmacy, which intends to build a store on the site.

“It shocked me,” said Busby of news that the complex had been sold.

Charles Hymes, who has lived at the Mark Twain Motor Inn since January of this year, was not surprised by the sale.

“They’ve been talking about it for four or five years now,” he said. “I hate to see the place go.”

“It’s in the name of progress, so what the hell are you going to do?” asked a man who spoke on the condition he not be identified.

Hymes estimated that 50 people will be relocating very soon.

“Some of these people don’t have options,” said the unidentified man. “Ninety percent of the people in the third building have no viable income. They get their Social Security check the first of the month and then they’re broke. It’s sad.”

The man added that many of the residents will be inconvenienced because they will no longer be within walking distance of a shopping center.

“County Market and Walgreens is why a lot of these people are here,” he said, noting their close proximity to the motel.

Busby, who will be moving to a motel on Mark Twain Avenue, had a challenge finding a place that would allow him to keep his three cats.

“Most motels, apartments and houses will not accept pets,” he said, adding that at his new location he will be paying $25 more a month in order to keep his cats. “I’ve got to go where I can live, otherwise I’m on the streets.”

Hymes, who is moving to the Hannibal Inn, reports he will have to come up with $50 more a month in rent. That figure would be even higher if he wanted a room with two beds or had a pet.

The man who declined to give his name will move into a house Monday. He reports that the difference in rent will be a “wash” financially.